Hand County press. (Miller, Dakota [S.D.]) 1882-1893, 1887-12-01

iope, several running inside our lines as ws
march. We always march in four lines
that Is two lines Of wagons and line O,
horsemen on the outside. Since going in
camp Co. Z man shot an elk. the fist
wtld meat secured on the trip, which was
considerably enjoyed by those fortunate
enough to get a cut. A good shower OF
min broke the monotony Of to-night's
camp. On the 7th We cross to the west
side Vi the Missouri river and go into
camp for few days. 1t is the intention
to erect buildings and establish Fl. Rice
here, and one regiment Of Minnesota In
Antry is detailed for fort duty. The
government boat Isabella arrived and as.
lists us across the river. She was ladened
with supplies for the expedition and the
new fort. We are now into the Indian
country and keep our eyes open for some
thing more interesting. On the 18th my
self and Ave others received permission to
go out on hunt. We wander over the
rough country all dav locking for game,
but are compelled to start for camp at
night without success. On the way back
it soon became evident someone was
moving backward and forward across our
route between us and camp. Our first
thought Of course is Indians and We be-
gin making preparations for hard tussle,
with the probability Of never again seeing
the command. After considerable time
spent in expectancy with our nerves
strung up to high tension, We make the
discovery squad Of our own boys are in
front OF us-giving us the laugh. Com
panics B and c are ordered TO pack up on
the 18th and march TO the Cannon Ball
river, eight miles s0nth. as guards for our
herd Of cattle, which is in charge Of two
half breeds. In crossing some bluffs our
company wagon is upset and smashes up
things some, but our china ware is made
for such occasions. As there appears no
danger the two companies are
ordered to return to Fl. Rice on the 18th
The following morning the command
agnln breaks camp and starts on our trip
further into the wild country, leaving the
regiment Of infantry and few sick cayai.
rymen in charge o the fort. A march Of
20 miles brings us to tie Cannon Ball
river, and We enter into very different
country from that ON the east side of the
river. The grass is all buffalo, and the
wonderful aud fantastical sh led buttes of
which so much is written. They are ap-
piled ap around on tie prairie
rom one to five hundred feet high in all
manner Of shapes, making at once q weird
ret picturesque formation, which imparts
/ portion of its oHn lonesomeness TO the
peholder. After going into camp Ser
geant Foster and myself, while strolling
along the river, discovered coal bank,
n which there seemed to be plenty OF
,oal Of very goed quality. This in what
Ia now called Morton cou.Ity, few miles
south Of the Northern Pacific railroad,
and we understand the coal is now extcn-
sivoly minedl. The next days march Of
Is over q rough country was passed with
still no Indians, although signs" were
The 21st and 2Sd were passed
N momentary expectation Of attacks from
'eds, bat We reach what We supposed to
De the Cannon Ball river again. Here We
we're stopped by the arrival Of three mes
,engers from Ft. Rice, VITA word that the
Indians had attacked the government
boats at the mouth Of Big Knife river,
md were preparing to attack the soldiers
It Ft. Rice. We were ordered TO hold
ourselves in readiness for further word,
which soon came to the effect that no par
ocular damage had been done by the In
lians, Our journey was resumed on the
Sd with % miles further to our credit,
,ver rolling country, the last four miles
being so rolling that we struggled hard all
Ifternoon to pass them. and smashed up
everal wagons. The Gath has a record Of
cry warm weather and % mile march
o the Hart nver; country Is beautiful
olling prairie, bounded on the east by a
lutte the guides claimed to be 600 feet
Ugh. Hart river contains very poor water
or drinking, strongly impregnated with
oal and minerals. Here we corralled
he wagon train. left some soldiers and
be immigrants in charge, and on the 26th
rganizeda scouting party. taking seven
lays rations and about IS wagons. A
march Of lS miles brings the party into q
oush country, full Of precipices and deep |
avines, veritable fortress for the Indians
With their peculiar aud treacherous mode |
4 warfare. We leave our horses saddled |
md bridled tonight, place out picket and
amp guards, and prepare to sleep on our |
rms, with revolvers and sabers buckled
% as, expecting an attack at any moment.
Not being permitted 10 bring our tents,
40 lights were allowed; we ate cold grub
md rolled up in our blankets. As the
,dvance guard Of Dakota 500, ts had
title brush with the reds just before
amping. IL is safe to record not many of
Is tried very hard to sleep. Well We did
,ot have to wait 80 very long until the
amp was transformed suddenly into life
md activity. The camp guards think In
iians have got through the picket line.
ind hurriedly shake every man, and at
he order Of "Quick quick Fall in liner
very soldier springs to his horses head.